The following can be attributed to Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Executive Director of River Management Andrew Reynolds:
Communities, landholders and river users along the Mitta Mitta River are encouraged monitor water levels in the coming days and weeks, as wet weather continues.
As at 24 August, Dartmouth Dam is 99% full and the Bureau of Meteorology's outlook to October 2022 indicates wetter than average conditions are likely to continue across south-east Australia.
The MDBA has been releasing water from Dartmouth Dam since early August to create airspace in the dam, in advance of inflows during spring.
We are currently managing the release of water from Dartmouth Dam to aim for flows to stay within the river channel at Tallandoon, or 3.4m on the Tallandoon gauge.
However, uncontrolled flows into the Mitta Mitta River from the minor tributaries may result in the river level at Tallandoon temporarily exceeding 3.4m from time to time. If wet conditions continue releases exceeding this level may be required.
At this stage releases from Dartmouth Dam continue to be through the power station, although flows over the spillway are possible depending on future rainfall events.
Please note system conditions may change over the coming days and weeks. If the dam fills, all flood waters will pass through the dam and, along with the water entering from the tributaries, head downstream to Lake Hume.
If you live, work or holiday on the Mitta Mitta River you are advised to:
- Regularly check the latest weather information on the Bureau of Meteorology website for including warnings, river conditions and rainfall in your area: http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings/ and http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/flood/index.shtml
- Develop your own flood emergency plan for your home and property by going to the State Emergency Service website: www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe
